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Amy Riolo

As an award – winning, best-selling, author, chef, television personality, and educator, Amy is one of the world’s foremost authorities on culinary culture. She is known for sharing history, culture, and nutrition through global cuisine as well as simplifying recipes for the home cook. Amy is also a food historian, culinary anthropologist and Mediterranean Diet specialist. Her 11th and last book (for now) is Italian recipes for Dummies.

Zeppole and Sfingi di San Giuseppe are among our most beloved Italian culinary rituals. In addition to the highly anticipated sweet treats, however, Calabrians choose to celebrate with Lagane (or laganelle), a type of homemade pasta often paired with beans. Dating back to 4th century BCE Magna Graecia, this type of pasta can still be found in moder...

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In Italy, Carnevale runs until February 23 this year while the entire month is dedicated to Heart Health in the US. I’m celebrating with a dish that will transport your taste buds to the sparkling Adriatic Sea while promoting a heart-healthy Italian diet, so I’m sharing my favorite Insalata di Mare recipe from Italian Recipes for Dummies. Seafood...

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In Italy, soups can be a light, elegant way to open an evening meal or large banquet. January is National Soup Month, and the perfect time to curl up with a cozy bowl of warming Italian broth. This month I’m sharing a recipe that’s lesser known outside of Italy, but perfect to enjoy while dreaming of a weekend in an elegant Italian ski chalet!  Man...

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Did you know that many of our modern holiday traditions have ancient Roman roots? The month of December, itself, is named after the 10th month of the Roman calendar, Decem.    Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival in honor of the god Saturn held on December 17 of the Justinian calendar and later expanded with festivities through December 23. The...

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November 14-20, 2022 has marked the 7th edition of La Settimana della Cucina Italiana nel Mondo or Italian Cuisine in the World Week. Few dishes are more emblematic of Italian cuisine than pasta and sauce recipes. One of the secrets to success is learning how to pair various pasta shapes with different sauces. You can learn my tips on my blog in a...

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It’s no coincidence that National Pizza Month falls in October, a month that the US celebrates Italian-American Heritage. The ritual of pizza-making (along with pasta and sauce making) is much more important than a means to satisfy hunger — it’s a link to our past and a patrimony to pass down to future generations.  When we bake, we also lose our w...

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Nearly every Italian family has their own recipe for Pollo alla cacciatora. In fact, many Italians forage mushrooms in the fall that can then be incorporated into this delicious dish. My own family gathers them from the Sila mountains in Calabria. The ritual of going into the woods and finding edible treasures is every bit as enticing as tasting th...

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August is for holidays and time spent with family and friends - not the time for lengthy recipes and long cooking times. When you’re looking for a tasty dish that can be made in less than 20 minutes and is elegant enough to serve for company, turn to one of my favorite pasta creations of all time. Each time I prepare it, it calls to mind the quote...

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July is National Grilling Month, but this easy and mouthwatering recipe will have you firing up the grill all year long. According to the Tri-Lamb Group, on average, a 3-ounce serving of lamb is lean—about 175 calories. Lean cuts include the leg, loin, and rack. Lamb provides vitamins and minerals and is an excellent source of protein, which helps...

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